A quick Sea Otter pictorial

04.29.17 – by Stephen Lam

I could write more about Sea Otter but pictures are way better than words. Enjoy the partly random, partly happy snaps along the way!

If it weren’t for these guys, parking on Wolf Hill would have been a giant mess. Thanks! Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyIt’s all calm here but I saw one raging off road later in the afternoon. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyOne of the handful of Factor O2’s currently in the U.S. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyKogel Bearings and their impressive lineup of bearings, pulleys, and bottom brackets. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.ly3D-printed Spoke Fins from Null Winds Technology are said to reduce drag on your existing wheels by as much as 67%. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyThis HPC Revolution e-downhill bike is hand-welded one by one in Los Angeles, fully customizable including a drivetrain capable of going as fast as 60mph and a high-capacity battery cell for up to 100miles in one charge. Ultimate beast mode? Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyThis Easton Cinch spindle power meter system sure got everyone talking. With the power measurement unit fully contained within the spindle, the $600, 65-gram power meter spindle will be compatible with existing Cinch crank arms and all the chain ring combos such at these here. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lySure, the 875g (paint included) Specialized S-Works Epic Hardtail in the back of this photo is jaw-droppingly light, but I like this one better. Just think of all the history behind this bike. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyWTB dropped some new treads at Sea Otter too. Here’s their new Byway Road Plus TCS tire for the growing 650 gravel road crowd. Decent amount of side knobs for traction while the smooth rolling center keeps the ride on the trail way more tolerable. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyHydrate or die. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyEmily Batty out doing her course recon. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lySecretly stashed inside the bus booth was the only GameChanger aero helmet in the U.S. It’s only available in Europe for the time being but they may just bring it stateside before you know it. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyEnduro practice session. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyJust when you think there’s nothing else new with taillights, Cateye dropped this Rapid X2 Kinetic (left) with a built-in accelerometer that automatically changes from blinking to solid red whenever deceleration is detected. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyProminently displayed at the OneUp Components booth was their new EDC tool system that utilizes all that space within your oversized (alloy) steer tube. With a very well thought out minitool that comes with 8mm which is relatively rare for a tool that size, chain, tire tools and option of either a pump or a CO2, what’s not to like? Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyAt first glance, these gloves from Showers Pass looked similar to your normal liner gloves. But no, they are waterproof and plush without being excessively bulky. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyThere were a good number of eBikes at Sea Otter again this year but there was a lot to be liked on this e-Cargo bike from Riese & Müller: Full suspension for comfort and additional traction, integrated Abus lock, the ability to mount a second battery to double its range, and a variety of options to customize the cargo area from double child seats to a higher sidewall for hauling more groceries. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyNormally it’s hard to sit and write about kids bikes but Islabikes caught my attention with their new Pro line of high-performance kids bikes. Here, the Cnoc 16 came stock with a carbon fork, TRP v-brakes, titanium-spindled pedals, 185tpi folding tires, smaller-diameter grips and brakes for the little one. And weighing in at a little over 10lbs, the Cnoc will probably save the lower backs of many parents, too. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.ly#quoteoftheday Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyFat Chance is back! Fresh at the show was Chris’ new model, the Chris Cross. It’s Chris’ utilitarian take on cross, gravel, and bike packing. The beautifully-painted steel frame uses a mix of Columbus and Reynolds tubings and it’s handmade one by one in the U.S. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyThe all-new Ibis Ripley LS, now with longer travel along with the usual sharp paint job. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyDubbed as an inner-tire suspension system, the CushCore is a circular-shaped engineering foam that goes inside your tire and is said to improve traction and stability while providing a layer of protection against flats. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lyLove the paint job on this Santa Cruz Hightower. Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.lySee ya next year! Photo: Stephen Lam/ element.ly